BIS Certification for Flashlights: A Complete Guide for Manufacturers

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry Of Commerce and Industry, Govt of India had issued notification of draft Quality Control Order (QCO) vide dated 13.11.2024 for Flashlight as mentioned below for consultation and providing comments on SPS & TBT Platform of World Trade Organization.

Product description: A portable,  compact   Flashlight  using   replaceable   primary   batteries   and replaceable/built-in secondary batteries with an upper limit of 48 V DC.

After adoption, the above QCO will be published by the Ministry on the website of Gazette of India making it compulsory to adhere to the QCO for importing flashlights in India.

Introduction to BIS Certification for Flashlight

Once implemented, it will be mandatory for domestic as well as foreign manufacturers to adhere as per IS 2083:2024. They shall also show the Standard Mark, to be procured by way of a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), as per Scheme-I outlined in Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. The Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, and its Rules and Regulations shall regulate the use of the Standard Mark. The certifying and enforcing authority shall be the Bureau of Indian Standards. The purpose of the QCO is prevention of deceptive practices and consumer protection; protection of human health or safety;and and protection of the environment.

BIS certification scheme is generally voluntary. But for some products, conformity to Indian Standards is necessitated by the Central Government by virtue of different considerations such as public interest, human, animal, or plant health protection, environment safety, prohibition of unfair trade practices, and national defense. For these products, the Central Government mandates compulsory application of Standard Mark under a license or Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by BIS by way of issue of QCOs.

• Flashlights, generally known as torches, are ubiquitous items that can be seen in all household as well as commercial premises. Being essential and useful appliances for day-to-day activities, the flashlights are multifunctional gadgets that assist in lighting areas at once. These items are extensively used and present in nearly all areas.
• Very effective and user-friendly, the flashlights (LED Torches) provide handy use to all. But testing these items to check if they are satisfying the performance and safety standards, is essential. Manufacturers and importers thus require a BIS ISI mark registration in order to remain compliant in the Indian market.
• Why Apply for BIS ISI Mark for Flashlight or LED Torch
• BIS ISI certification provides assurance that products are well-checked and confirmed by the authorities on the IS 2083:2024. 
• This simplifies market entrance for companies operating in the disciplined Indian market.
• Only BIS-certified goods are desired by consumers, conscious of the requirement to comply with established standards and benchmarks.
• Non-compliance with BIS standards may result in numerous legal penalties and fines that can possibly harm the market visibility and reputation of companies.

Key Provisions of the Order:

• Use of Standard Mark:
• From the date mentioned in the order, flashlights (and associated articles) shall be in conformity with the Indian Standard IS 2083:2024 (Flashlight – Specification).
• These products will be required to carry the Standard Mark under licence from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), as per Scheme-1 of Schedule II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
• Micro and Small Enterprises will have to adhere to the Indian Standard within a time frame:
• General (except Micro and Small Enterprises): Within 6 months from the publication of the Quality Control Order.
• Small Businesses: 9 months from the date of release.
• Micro Businesses: 12 months from the date of release.

Exemptions:

Domestically produced goods for export are exempt from this order. Flashlight manufacturers can import a maximum of 50 units annually for research and development without complying with these requirements, subject to the condition that such goods are not sold commercially and are scrapped. Manufacturers must keep detailed records for such goods.

Certification and Enforcement:

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been made the certifying and enforcing agency for the flashlights specified in this order.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

Any individual who contravenes the requirements of this order shall be liable to penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

Final Note:

The Flashlight (Quality Control) Order, 2025 aims at making all flashlights sold or produced in India adhere to a given quality level to promote product safety and consistency. The compliance schedules provided under the order should be followed by manufacturers, or they will face penalties as described under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will regulate the certification and enforcement of these standards to ensure protection of consumers and uphold high-quality standards in the flashlight market.